Labyrinth packing



A. BONOM.

LABYRINTH PACKING.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 10, 1919.

2 SHEETSSHEET I.

fiza zzfar A. BONOM.

LABYRINTH PACKING.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 10. 1919.

. 354 235 7 Patentedsept. 28, 1920.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

I y I 402/ wt; 2 i 1 1 1/ units!) STATES ALFRED BO'NOM, 0F PATERSON, NEW JERSEY.

LABYRINTH PACKING.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. 28, 1920.

Original application filed December 26, 1918, Serial No. 286,352. Patent dated. August 12, 1919, No. 1,313,058. Divided and this a plicati fi ovember 10, 1919. Serial No. 336,983.

1 0 all whom may concern:

Be it known that I, ALFRED BONOM, a citizen of the French Republic, residing at Paterson, in the State of New Jersey, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Labyrinth Packings; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

The present invention relates to labyrinth packings for rotary engines and similar high speed fluid turbines as set forth in my Patent No. 1,313,058, dated August 12th, 1919, of which the present application is a division.

()ne of the serious problems to be met in perfecting a steam turbine is to insuresubstantially free rotation of the rotors with a substantially steam tight packing system to prevent leakage of steam and consequent loss of efficiency. It is the purpose of the present invention to solve this problem, by providing improved labyrinth packing between all relatively movable parts subject to steam pressure.

A further object of the invention is to provide for the delicacy of adjustment of the labyrinth packings, so as to take up any wear and avoid any undue friction.

With the above and other objects in view which will hereinafter appear as the description continues, the invention consists of the novel features of construction, combination and formation of parts as will be hereinafter more fully described and particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings;

Figure 1 is a vertical section of a labyrinth bearing packing embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a similar vertical longitudinal section showing another form of a high pressure labyrinth packing; and,

Fig. 3 is a similar view of a low pressure labyrinth packing.

Referring now more particularly to the accompanying drawings wherein like and corresponding parts are designated by similar reference characters throughout the several views.

By having reference now more specifically to Fig. 1 of the drawings, wherein I have shown one of the packing devices embodying the preferred form of the invention as comprising the inner and outer rings 1 and 2 and a central ring 3, the latter having screw threaded engagement respectively with a sleeve 4: mounted adjustably upon the rotating shaft 10 of the engine. The rings 1 and 2 are formed with a series of concentric annular flanges 5. The flanges 5 are preferably exactly alike except for a slight difference in diameter. The flanges 6 are formed on the opposite face of the central ring 3 and all of the said flanges are provided with a plurality of upwardly projecting fins 7, the free edges of which all lie in the same plane at right angles to the axis of the rotor to which they pertain. The flanged portions 5 of the rings 1 and 2 are also provided with a plurality of concentric an nular fins 7 having the same general characteristics of the corresponding fin 7 of the central ring 3. The upwardly projecting fins 7 of the flanges 5 have their points or edges in close relation to the lower surface of the flanges 6 of the central ring 3. The laterally projecting fins of the central ring flanges 6 engage the lower surface of the flanges 5 f the rings 1 and 2. Obviously each of these ring members is made so as to be perfectly circular and symmetrical with respect to the axis of the rotor to which it pertains, and hence all of the respective flange and fin features are to be precisely alike and interchangeable so that when each mating pair of rings 1 and 2 are slipped together with the central rings 3, as shown, a proper adjustment as to the force of the bearing contact between adjacent features is obtained. This adjustment of the ring 3 with respect to the rings 1 and 2 may be effected by the rotation of the sleeve 4 around the shaft 10. The uppermost flanges 5 of the central ring 3 are formed with a plurality of fins 7' which engage the inner surface of the contracting portions 8 and 9 of the rings 1 and 2. It is furthermore to be noted that the line or course through which the steam would be obliged to pass to escape through this labyrinth is exceedingly circuitous, making it a practical impossibility for any leakage to result eventhough the actual contact between adjacent and rela-' tively movable parts is slight or entirely wanting. Furthermore, this exception from leakage is multiplied as many times as there are pairs of rings throughout the packing. While each of the fins 7 will abut against the lower surface of .the flanges 6 of the central ring 3, no steam can escape between any of these rings and the sleeve 4 on which they are tightly fitted. It is, of course, understood that between each pair of rings 1 and 2 there is free rotating movement, but the course of steam that would seek to escape through the packing leads through not only one set of points or contact lines in each pair of rings, but also through as many multiples of points as there are fins. Furthermore all condensation water that may accumulate in the labyrinth will add to the difliculty for the steam to escape, but will add no appreciable resistance to the rotation of the rotors. The rings 1 and 2 which are in threaded engagement with the casing 12, are, of course, retained infa stationary position at all times and the ring 3 which is connected to the shaft 10 revolves therebetween. The outer free edge of the flanges 5 and 6, as well as the fins 7 are beveled, so as to terminate in substantially sharp edges which lie adjacent to the rings and the flanges carried thereby, but are retained in a spaced relation, so that no parts of the rings 1, 2 and 3 or the flanges and fins carried thereby contact. However, this adjustment may be taken care of by revolving either of the rings 1, 2 or 3, and should any of the flanges or fins connected to the rings wear, the rings may be readily adjusted so as to establish a perfectly steam tight packing. It is obvious that the path of escape of steam of this packing is so circuitous that it is practically impossible for any loss of efliciency from this cause even though the actual contact between relatively movable parts may be barely perceptible.

In the faces of the rings 1 and 2 ar"e pr0- vided the finned projections 13 which contact with the outer periphery of the base flange 14 to which the centralring 3 is connected,.so as to establish a labyrinth packing between the revolving base flange 14 and the inner faces of the stationary rings land 2. Sleeve 4 is provided with an extension having the recesses 15 therein so that a spanner wrench may grip this sleeve in adjusting the same.

Referring now more specifically to Fig. 2 I show the high pressure packing devices as comprising mating pairs of inner and outer rings 40 and 41 having screw threaded engagement respectively with a sleeve 42 mounted adjustably upon the hub extension 32' from a rotatable shaft'and the hub extension 28' constituting a portion of a stationary casing. Each ring 40 comprises a hub 40*, a flat annulus 40 and a series of concentric annular flanges 40 and 40 The flanges 40 are preferably exactly alike except for a slight difference in diameter.

The flange 40 is the largest and is provided with a plurality of outwardly projecting fins 40. Each of the flanges just described has a laterally projecting fin 40 the free edges of which all lie in the same plane perpendicular to the axis of .the rotor to which they pertain. Again, each flange has an inwardly projecting fin 40 Each ring 41 comprises a hub portion4l, a flat annulus 41 and a plurality of concentric annular flanges 41 and 41 having the same general characteristics of the corresponding flanges 40 and 40 of the mating ring. The flange 41 is shown provided with a pair of inwardly projecting fins 41 the points of edges of which have close relation to the outer surface of the hub 40. Again, each flange 41 and 41 has a laterally projecting fin 41 all of the edges of which lie in the same plane and in close proximity to the inner radial wall of the web 40 of the mating ring, while the edges of the fins 40 of said latter ring have similar proximity to the inner radial wall of the web 41 While each of the flanges 40 or 41 has a smooth cylindrical outer surface the inwardly projecting fin 0f the next outer flange has close contact with said smooth surface, that is to say, the fins 40 of the ring 40 bear respectively upon or close to the smooth exterior surfaces of the flanges 41 and 41 'of the ring 41, while the fins 41 of the flanges 41 bear respectively upon the outer surfaces of the flanges 40, and the fins 41 have similar bearing upon the outer cylindrical surface of the hub 40 Obviously each of these ring members is made so as to be perfectly circular and symmetrical with respect to the axis of the rotor to which it pertains, and hence all of the respective flange and fin features are precisely alike and interchangeable so that when each mating pair of rings 40 and 41 are slipped together, 'as shown, they are properly adjusted as to the force of the bearing contact between adjacent features. This adjustment of the rings 40 with respect to the several mating-rings 41 may be effected by the rotation of the sleeve'42 around the extension support 32and the position of the sleeve 42 maybe looked after adjustment by means ofa set screw 42. There are provided in the form shown in Fig. 4 at least fifteen lines of contact between each two relatively movable parts making up the system. It is furthermore to be noted that the line or course through which the steam would be obliged to pass to escape through this labyrinth is exceedingly circuitous, making it a practical impossibility for any leakage to result even though the actual contact between adjacent and relatively movable parts is slight'or tirely wanting. Furthermore this exemption from leakage is multiplied as many times as there are pairs of mating rings throughout the packing. lVhile each ring 40 may abut at its hub squarely against the next similar ring so that no steam can escape between any of these rings and the sleeve 42 on which they are fitted, so also the rings 41 have steam tight fit in the hub extension 28 and abut squarely against one another. "it of course, is understood that between each pair of rings 40 and 41 there is free rotating movement, but the course of steam that would seek to escape through the packing leads through not only one set of fifteen points or contact lines in each pair of rings but also through as many multiples of fifteen as there are pairs of rings. Furthermore all condensation water that may accumulate in the labyrinths will add to the ditficulty for the steam to escape, but will add no appreciable resistance to the rotation of the rotors. These packing rings 40 and 41 when put in place are lockedly means of adjustable abutment rings 43 and 44 respectively which hold the packing rings in place with any suitable degree of frictional contact with the other adjacent rings.

In Fig. 3 I show in detail the construction of labryinth packings that may be used in connection with a low pressure stage construction. This type of bushing comprises mating series of inner and outer packing rings 46 and 47 respectively, cooperating with a stationary sleeve or bearing bushing 48 through a sleeve 49, with respect to the rings 46 and with an outer revolving member 50 with respect to the packing rings 47. The adjustment of the sleeve 49 around and along the support 48 serves to cause the longitudinal adjustment of the mating rings 46 and 47 in a manner similar to the adjustment of the rings 40 above described, and this sleeve 49 may be locked in adjusted position by means of a set screw 49.

lVith reference especially to the detailed construction of the rings 46 and 47 it will be noted that each ring 46 comprises a hub portion 46 a central outwardly projecting radial web 46 oppositely arranged circumferential flanges 46 projecting laterally from opposite sides of the web 46*, and an outside double flange 46 Each flange 46 has a plurality of outwardly projecting fins 46 and a laterally projecting fin' 40 and also inwardly projecting fins 46 The flanges 46 have laterally projecting contact edges or fins 46 and inwardly projecting edges or fins 46 similar to those features of the flanges 46 Each packing ring 47 comprises a hub portion 47 a central web 47", and laterally projecting flanges 47 and 47. The flanges 4? have a plurality of inwardly projecting fins 47 and each or" the lateral flanges has a laterally projecting fin 47; also the flanges 47 have inwardly projecting fins 47 l/Vhile the hub portions 46 and 47" of these members have threaded connection respectively with the sleeve 49 and hub extension 50 the directly opposite surface of these parts have smooth cylindrical surfaces with which the fins 47 and 46 of the adjacent parts cooperate respectively. Likewise the fins 46 and 47 cooperate respectively with the smooth outer surface of the flanges 47 and 46 respectively. Also the laterally projecting fins or edges 46 and 47 cooperate respectively with the radial webs 47 and 46. As in the packing for the high pressure stage structure of Fig. 2, it is obvious that the path of escape of steam of this packing shown in Fig. 2 is so circuitous that it is practically impossible for any loss of efliciency from this cause even though the actual contact between relatively movable parts may be barely perceptible. Thus I am able to construct a practical steam turbine having relatively loose bearings without any loss of ehiciency or any frictional working parts.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. The herein described labyrinth packing for hi h speed rotary engines, comprising a pair of coaxial mating rings carried by the members between which there is relative rotation, each ring including a radial web and a plurality of coaxial flanges projecting laterally therefrom, the flanges of each ring cooperating with the web of the other ring, and fins provided upon the flanges for cooperation with' adjacent flanges, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

2. The herein described labyrinth packing for a rotary engine, the same comprising a succession of pairs of mating packing rings carried by relatively rotatable parts, concentric cooperating flanges formed on the rings, and each flange having a plurality of battle fins extending into cooperation with the other ring of the same pair.

8. The herein described labyrinth packing for high speed rotary engines, the same comprising a succession of mating pairs of metallic rings, the rings of each pair being fixed to and carried by the members between which there is relative rotation and each ring comprising a plurality of coaxial flanges cooperating with a plurality of radial fins carried by the other member of the same pair.

4. In a labyrinth packing for high speed engines, the combination with the coaxial parts between which there is relative rotation, of a pair of metallic rings carried by said rotating parts, each ring including a web directed toward the opposite ring, and each web having a plurality of flanges directed toward the opposite web, the flanges of one web being arranged in alternation with the flanges of the other web, and c0- operating fins upon the said flanges.

5. in a labyrinth packing for engines, the combination with the coaxial parts betweenwhich there is a relative rotation, of a pair of stationary rings, a movable ring adapted to travel .therebetween, lateral flanges formed with said rings, fins carried by said flanges, and means whereby said rings may be adjusted relative to each other.

6. In labyrinth packings for high speed engines, the combination with the parts between which there is relative rotation, of a pair of metallic packing rings each having a base whereby it is fixed to the part carrying it, a web extending toward but stopping short of the base of the opposite ring, each web having a plurality of parallel concentric flanges directed toward the opposite web, and the several flanges of each ring being formed with contact fins cooperating with the opposite rings.

7. In a labyrinth packing for high speed engines, the combination with the coaxial parts between which there is relative rotation, of a pairof rings each having a peripheral flange having threads for adjustable engagement with the stationary memher, a movable ring having a flange with threads thereon for adjustable engagement with the rotating member, said rotating ring having a plurality of annular lateral flanges projecting from each side thereof, said stationary rings each having a plurality of annular lateral flanges projecting toward said ring and arranged between the flanges of said movable ring, saidannular lateral flanges of said rings each having a fin formed therewith and extending at right angles thereto and the free ends thereof being beveled to terminate in substantially sharpened edges, and the other flange'of said rotatable ring having a plurality of fins formed therewith adapted to lie adjacent to the inner faces of the peripheral securing flanges of said stationary rings.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

ALFRED BONOM. 

